BUS passengers are being warned to plan their travel ahead of a series of one-day strikes by Arriva North West drivers which are due to start this Thursday.

On Thursday, October 19, Monday, October 23 and Monday, October 30, members of Arriva will walk out of work for 24-hours in a dispute over pay after the union said talks had broken down.

During these times no planned Arriva bus services will operate within St Helens, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire, except for services running out of the Chester depot.

More than 2,000 bus drivers and engineering staff are expected to strike.

The depot in St Helens will also be affected.

Unite regional officer Neil Clarke said: “All we are seeking is a fair and reasonable pay award against a backdrop of spiralling inflation and soaring living costs.

“Our members are fed up with pitiful pay offers and Arriva’s ‘pick and mix’ approach to wages where some depots get a pay rise and others don’t.

“This has resulted in wage inequality across a number of depots and is in stark contrast to the company’s claim to be an industry leader in the treatment of its workforce.”

Phil Stone, regional managing director for Arriva, said: “It is disappointing that Unite and GMB balloted for strike action over pay when we have a tabled a fair pay deal for our staff.

“All drivers across all 10 depots will benefit from the current pay offer. Any pay award has to be sustainable for each individual depot and this is reflected in what has been offered. The hourly rate for all drivers remains competitive.

“This pay offer follows year on year competitive pay increases even at a time when other companies were freezing pay. Our pay and terms and conditions are the best in the north west for the industry.

“We remain committed in trying to reach a mutually acceptable outcome and would urge our trade union colleagues to get back round the negotiating table and call off strike action that will unnecessarily disrupt many thousands of passengers.

“In the meantime, we will look at how our passengers may be impacted by potential strike action and the measures we can put in place to minimise disruption to them.”